noun
apartheid
uh-PAR-tyte/əˈpɑːrtaɪt/
A system of legally enforced racial segregation and discrimination.
The official enforces racially separate entrances under apartheid.
Etymology
Literally “separateness,” apartheid turned a general condition of being separate into the name of a political system enforcing racial segregation and inequality.
In context
making racial classification and segregation a nationwide meticulously enforced law that controlled every part of life. During apartheid, South Africans were classified into rigid racial categories. White, the ruling privileged class
More examples
- Apartheid denied rights on the basis of race.
- The movement campaigned against apartheid.
- The exhibition records daily life under apartheid.
Forms
apartheid
Similar words
- segregation
- Segregation is enforced separation broadly; apartheid names South Africa’s former system of racial rule.
- discrimination
- Discrimination is unequal treatment generally; apartheid was a comprehensive state system of racial separation and domination.